Dimapur, September 17: Deputy Chief Minister and Minister-in-Charge of National Highways, T.R. Zeliang, has called for stronger and more permanent measures to address the recurring rockfalls and landslides along National Highway-29, particularly on the Dimapur–Kohima stretch.
Addressing the issue, Zeliang said that whoever is responsible for maintaining the highway, whether the contractor or the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), must ensure that the work is carried out properly. He said that if the agency or contractor fails to perform its responsibility, it should be replaced by another competent agency.
Zeliang suggested step-cutting, or bench-cutting, of vulnerable mountain slopes as one of the measures that could provide a more permanent solution to recurring rockfalls and landslides. Citing neighbouring Sikkim as an example, he said that similar scientific approaches to hill cutting should be considered to reduce the risk of rockfall and slope failure.
Zeliang also rejected the argument that lack of land acquisition should be used as a reason for delays in carrying out necessary road works. He said that the concerned agency or person in charge should submit a proper proposal to the Deputy Commissioner or the State Government, following which the process of land acquisition can be taken forward and road expansion or slope-related works can proceed.The need for additional land for safety measures along NH-29 has previously arisen at vulnerable locations.
In 2023, NHIDCL had stated that additional land was required near vertical cliffs after Jharnapani so that unsafe portions could be removed. NHIDCL had also proposed bench-cutting as part of the safety measures following a major rockslide incident in 2023. Zeliang further spoke about the NH-2 stretch, where landslides and road damage have also affected connectivity.
He said he has instructed the chief contractor to inspect the affected area, verify the ground situation and submit a report to the department. Based on the inspection and report, he said that steps would be taken towards finding a permanent solution at the earliest.
